News Releases

News Releases

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum Expanding to Full Operations | April 4, 2022

First Phase Begins April 4; Seven-Day Per Week Operations Resume May 8

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum will expand hours for the public and restore full museum and research operations in a phased process beginning today. Guests may purchase museum tickets both at the door and in advance at trumanlibrary.gov.

  • Effective this week, the museum will expand its hours to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and the Buck Stops Here Museum Store will reopen. The Research Room resumes operations today, April 4.
  • On Monday, April 25, the museum will expand to visitors to six days a week, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • On Sunday, May 8, in honor of President Truman’s birthday, the museum will resume daily operations, opening Sundays from noon-5 p.m.

“It is great to restore the Truman Library to full operations with our terrific new museum,” said Kurt Graham, director of the Truman Presidential Library & Museum. “With the pandemic receding, we are ready to embrace our guests and fully open our doors so they can experience this fabulous state-of-the-art exhibition about President Truman’s uniquely American story.”

“We are deeply appreciative of the support from the community and donors around the world during our transformation,” said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute, which led the fundraising for the $29 million project. “While the pandemic delayed the full re-opening, visitors will see that it was worth the wait. The new museum exhibition is worth the wait. The Truman Library sets the standard for presidential libraries.”

The Truman Library Research Room re-opens today for the first time since the pandemic began. This provides historians, biographers, scholars and other researchers expanded access to the rich trove of archival material on the Truman Presidency and post-war America. Reservations are required.

Masks are now voluntary for visitors because local health conditions have improved. If local health conditions deteriorate, the Truman Library may require masking inside and set capacity limits for public and educational programs. Museum services and hours were limited under guidelines from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Museum general admission is $12 with discounts for seniors, students, veterans and active members of the U.S. military. Admission is free for members and children 12 and younger. Museum services and hours are limited under guidelines from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Starting April 6, hours will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are once again available at the door. Advance tickets remain available at TrumanLibrary.gov.

Visitors will encounter a cinematic experience exploring some of the most dramatic chapters of world history. Museum highlights include:

  • Immersive sound-and-light theaters depicting WWI and the Cold War
  • 14-foot interactive globe exploring the hard problems of peace following WWII
  • Expanded insight on Truman’s leadership on Civil Rights and the recognition of Israel
  • Fresh perspective on Truman’s family, including Bess Truman’s role as advisor and confidante
  • Loyalty Review Board role-playing game where players uncover government disloyalty during the Red Scare

Group tours are available by contacting Visitor Services at truman.library@nara.gov or (816) 268-8221.

Contact

Dean Davison  |  816.787.2886
Davison Strategic Communications

Susan Medler  |  816.400.1217
Director of Communications

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is one of 15 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Established in 1957, the Truman Presidential Library preserves and provides access to President Truman’s historical materials. Through engaging exhibits and programs, the library aspires to reach a broad and diverse audience in a continuous effort to keep President Truman’s life and legacy alive, emphasizing his ideals of citizenship, learning, and service. Learn more at TrumanLibrary.gov.

The Truman Library Institute is the member-supported, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, one of 14 presidential libraries of the National Archives and Records Administration. The Truman Library Institute draws on President Truman’s legacy to enrich public understanding of history, the presidency, and America’s unique form of government. This mission is achieved through the development and funding of world-class museum exhibits, a robust international research grant program, public forums, and nationally acclaimed education programs serving more than 50,000 students and teachers each year. Learn more at TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.